backhanded compliment
noun
: a compliment that implies it is not really a compliment at all
She paid me a backhanded compliment when she said my work was "surprisingly good."
Dictionary Entries Near backhanded compliment
Cite this Entry
“Backhanded compliment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backhanded%20compliment. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share